Genesis 29:17-27

17 And Leah's eyes were weak, but Rachel was 1beautiful of form and face.
18 Now Jacob 2loved Rachel, so he said, "3I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel."
19 Laban said, "It is better that I give her to you than to give her to another man; stay with me."
20 So Jacob served seven years for Rachel and they seemed * to him but a few days 4because of his love for her.

Laban's Treachery

21 Then Jacob said to Laban, "Give me my wife, for my time is completed, that I may 5go in to her."
22 Laban gathered all the men of the place and made a feast.
23 Now in the evening he took his daughter Leah, and brought her to him; and Jacob went in to her.
24 Laban also gave his maid Zilpah to his daughter Leah as a maid.
25 So it came about in the morning that, behold, it was Leah! And he said to Laban, "6What is this you have done to me? Was it not for Rachel that I served with you? Why then have you 7deceived me?"
26 But Laban said, "It is not the practice * in our place to marry off the younger before the firstborn.
27 "Complete the week of this one, and we will give you the other also for the service which 8you shall serve with me for another seven years."

Genesis 29:17-27 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO GENESIS 29

This chapter informs us of Jacob's coming to a well near Haran, where meeting with some shepherds he inquires after Laban, Ge 29:1-8; and there also with Rachel his daughter, the shepherds made known to him, and acquainted her who he was, Ge 29:9-12; upon which she ran to her father, and told him who was at the well, who went forth and brought him to his house, and kindly entertained him, Ge 29:13,14; with whom he agreed to stay and serve seven years for Rachel his daughter, Ge 29:15-20; at the end of which Jacob demands his wife, but instead of Rachel, Leah was brought to him as his wife, Ge 29:21-25; which being discovered, and complained of, it was proposed he should have Rachel also, provided he would serve yet seven years more, to which he agreed, Ge 29:26-30; and the chapter is concluded with an account of four sons being born to Jacob of Leah, Ge 29:31-35.

Cross References 8

  • 1. Genesis 12:11, 14; Genesis 26:7
  • 2. Genesis 24:67
  • 3. Hosea 12:12
  • 4. Song of Songs 8:7
  • 5. Judges 15:1
  • 6. Genesis 12:18; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 26:10
  • 7. 1 Samuel 28:12
  • 8. Genesis 31:41

Footnotes 4

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